WATERFORD — For nearly two long years, the residents of Waterford have shouldered their COVID burdens with grace and strength as weddings and funerals have been postponed, family reunions, and birthday celebrations put off for other years, graduations went uncelebrated or quietly acknowledged. For so many, it has been a sad and lonely time. And COVID is certainly not over.

The residents of Waterford feel a need to raise up our loves and our losses in some way. So, Nancy Eaton, town librarian, came up with an idea: Why not offer a gathering where residents of the town could come together—outside and masked—to publicly remember and/or celebrate together.

On Saturday, September 25, a community gathering of remembrance will be held on Waterford’s Town Common. The strictly secular service, to be led by WCC Pastor Doretta Colburn of the Waterford Congregational Church, will begin at 3 pm. Colburn will open the floor to anyone who wishes to name a lost loved one, or speak about their own losses. George Wiese, WCC organist, will offer piano music, but there will be no singing. And there will be no formal socializing after the event is over. Anyone who wants to bring photos or other mementos is invited to display them on a table to be provided. Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Eaton said she “felt that we all needed time to gather in gratitude and remembrance of all those we’d lost and never got to mourn together. An opportunity to say their names and appreciate their connection to this town. And, to honor all those who have struggled and lost loved ones due to COVID.”

Colburn also believes this is a very important event. She said she was so struck by the numbers of residents who turned out – in the rain -for this year’s 4th of July Parade in Waterford. She saw their enthusiasm as a sign of the community’s longing to come together. “We need one another right now, especially in these times. We each have been touched with a deep sense of aloneness that only community can help rebuild as we come together to remember, recognize and restore the relationships that are so important to us. Together we can stand strong, supported by one another. This gathering is an opportunity to unite our hearts on common ground.” Alan Struck serves as Moderator of the Church in Waterford. He, too, recognized the deep need for some kind of closure among many in the community at large. “We have all been impacted by the pandemic, and this gathering will give each of us an opportunity to share those we have put on the shelf in our hearts and minds until this kind of event could take place,” he said.

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